The 11-nation BRICS bloc, in a strongly worded declaration from its summit in Rio de Janeiro on Sunday, condemned the rise of unilateral tariff and non-tariff measures, indirectly criticising the United States’ trade policies under President Donald Trump. While the Rio Declaration refrained from naming the US directly, due to reservations from some member countries, it expressed “serious concerns” about the increasing use of such trade measures that distort global commerce and violate World Trade Organization (WTO) rules.
The declaration described unilateral coercive measures, including economic sanctions, as contrary to international law and highlighted their far-reaching negative implications. BRICS warned that such restrictions could “reduce global trade, disrupt global supply chains, and introduce uncertainty” into the international economic order.
Although the bloc, which includes Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, is often divided on several issues, it appeared united in opposing the erratic trade practices of the United States. The message was widely interpreted as a rebuke to the Trump administration’s aggressive trade policies, including its imposition of tariffs on various countries over the past few years.
Reacting sharply to the BRICS statement, US President Donald Trump lashed out at the grouping late Sunday, accusing them of pursuing “Anti-American policies.” In a post on his social media platform, Truth Social, Trump declared, “Any Country aligning themselves with the Anti-American policies of BRICS, will be charged an ADDITIONAL 10% Tariff. There will be no exceptions to this policy.”
Trump’s warning came shortly after BRICS signed on to the declaration that condemned unilateral tariff actions. His remarks signalled Washington’s strong frustration with the bloc’s growing economic coordination.
In the same post, Trump announced that the United States would begin issuing tariff-related letters to affected nations starting Monday. “I am pleased to announce that the UNITED STATES TARIFF Letters, and/or Deals, with various Countries from around the World, will be delivered starting 12:00 PM (Eastern), Monday, July 7th,” he wrote.
This is not the first time Trump has targeted BRICS nations. Earlier this year, he had threatened to impose a 100% tariff on trade with countries from the group if they proceeded with plans to reduce reliance on the US dollar. “If the Brics nations want to do that, that’s okay, but we’re going to put at least a 100% tariff on the business they do with the United States,” he had warned.
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